New Year's Resolution Over and Over?

Have you ever written down things you wanted to change or things you wanted to do before the new year? Statements such as these:

a. I will get a gym membership
b. I will start eating right c. I will start working out seriously
Do they sound familiar? Guess what?! At one point you were really good for a couple of days, weeks or months but then you simply forgot... You know why?! It is because you set a seemingly insurmountable goal. Remember the basic criteria that compromise proper goal- setting:

S= Specific
M= Measurable
A= Attainable
R= Realistic
T= Timely

There you have it. As long as your new year's resolutions fall into that criteria, you are on the right track. Here are some of my suggestions for sure-fire success on whatever you have thought about for this year:

a. Write down your goals.. Feel obligated to back yourself up with a "contract". Right down the what, why and how of your resolutions.

b. Let's say you want to lose weight, remember to take baby steps. You did not gain that weight overnight, you won't lose it overnight either. Be patient. If you want to lose 50 pounds, resolve to workout intensely 3-4 times a day. Start with that.

c. Losing weight rapidly could be dangerous, plus weight lost rapidly is temporary anyway. Make sure to have a goal of losing a few pounds each week rather than having the bigger picture in mind right away (e.g. 1-2 lbs weight loss goal each week rather than going 50 and 50 alone!)

d. And just to remind you, exercise is not enough. You need to have proper diet. Start by avoiding sugary foods although you need to reward yourself from time to time. From there you should be able to slowly change your habits. Take it slow, you'll get used to it in time.

e. Last but not the least, have quarterly resolutions! 12 months is too long. 3 months is easier to plan. Have something to achieve every quarter and you are making life easier for you. On the 4th quarter of the year, you should be closer to your goal. Have you ever thought of that? Start doing it. I will!

Next time you ever forget your new year's resolutions you should go back to the drawing board. It's all about SMART GOAL- SETTING. Re-assess yourself and stick to your basics!

About the Author
Lawrence Ragos is a Certified Boxing Trainer and the director of the Train Like a Boxer Program--- a boxing training system focusing on intense strength and conditioning workouts. His DVD Series and FREE ebook are available in his official website, http://www.trainlikeaboxer.com